In 1980 on this day British rock legend John Lennon was murdered outside his residence in the famed Dakota building in New York City, sending shock waves among his fans around the world.

The period news report shown here reflects the extraordinary impact this incident had at the time. There are statements from President Jimmy Carter, incoming president Ronald Reagan, and editorializing and speculation whether the failure of gun-control legislation in the United States stemmed from money and influence-peddling from organizations such as the National Rifle Association.